History Of Osteopathy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.T. Still 1823-1917

 

Osteopathy was founded by Andrew Taylor Still at the time of the American civil war. He was a farmer and self taught doctor (as was his father). He became disenchanted with medicine when his family perished to disease and he saw the inadequacies of working on the battlefield. It is said he put together the basis of osteopathy by examining the structure and function in animals and humans (1874).

He began to travel plying his trade and was known as the “lightening bone setter”. Large crowds gathered where ever he travelled .

He built, then taught at the first osteopathic school set up in Kirksville Missouri in 1892. It was a 2 year course with the award of diploma (DO) due to his dislike of the term doctor.

He treated a Scotsman John Martin Littlejohn who then trained in osteopathy. Littlejohn then brought the idea to London setting up the London School of Osteopathy in 1917. The course was developed and is now a 4-5 year Bachelor of Science honours degree taught at several private schools.

Regulation.

Osteopathy in the UK is regulated and monitored by the General Osteopathic Council, which protects the public by ensuring that all practitioners using the title "osteopath" are qualified, safe and obey a code of conduct. They ensure that those who lack the necessary training, skills and commitment to patient care cannot use the title and investigate complaints against osteopaths under their supervision.

To find out more about the GOsC and their work please visit them at www.osteopathy.org or call them on 020 7357 6655